Feel Good Feb! Supporting Our Community

Did you know that a kind act can not only increase the happiness of the receiver…but also the giver?

According to this report from Berkeley University, it has been shown that:

“Giving to others makes us happy, even happier than spending on ourselves. What’s more, our kindness might create a cycle that promotes lasting happiness and altruism.”

However, kindness is not just about donating money. ‘Feel Good February’ is a Sydney-based initiative that is promoting random acts of kindness to members of the community. It aims to create a flow-on effect that counteracts negativity with targeted positivity.

In a society where depression, anxiety and loneliness are serious concerns, movements like this are important. According to the World Health Organisation, over 300 million people worldwide currently suffer from depression.

The UK has recognised the need for action and recently appointed an official ‘Minister for Loneliness’ to help promote inclusivity and social links for lonely people. 1 in 10 people in the UK have reported feeling isolated – a problem particularly affecting older people.

In Australia, medical assistance, care and support are available for vulnerable people. We also support our community through social programs.

Getting Involved in the Community

A great way to meet new people is through organised social groups. For people living with a disability, there are a number of networks across Sydney and NSW.

The Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Sydney also hosts a social networking group for people with and without disabilities. It meets on the first Thursday of the month from 5-8pm. Participants gather on campus in Camperdown before heading out for a bite to eat at a local pub or restaurant.

NDIS Support from the Australian Government

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the importance of community access for people living with a disability. Community Access is counted as a funded Direct Support, which might take the form of a Support Worker to accompany a Participant to events, or transport to help get them there.